You can download this app to view your hardware, but this shows more than you need, so you will need to hunt down what you're looking for. It is good for computer pros. (thanks to johnf888) It's still good to check it out though.

Step 1: Materials

All you need is your computer. I will focus on your RAM, Processor, Cd/Dvd drive, disk space, and your video card.

Step 2: Checking What Your Game Needs

To check what your computer needs for a game or software, the easiest way is to just type the name and after that specs, in google. The picture shows a search for Starcraft, a old game. If you don't find a site the first time, a few looks after will usually produce good results. Keep this page open as you will constantly check your computer against it.

Step 3: Cd/Dvd Drive

If your computer doesn't support dvd and you buy a dvd, the software or game will be useless. Normally you simply check the front of the cover. It will have a cd, dvd, or blueray disc sign. If your computer only has a cd sign, don't buy something that is a dvd, as your computer won't recognize it. If there is a flap, simply try pulling it down and look inside or open the drive and look at the front.

For games there is a very useful website: http://cyri.systemrequirementslab.com/srtest/ Just choose the game you want to run on your pc and click "can you run it". It will then download a plugin for your browser (only does that the first time) and checks your system specs for you. on the next page it shows the minimum and recommendend requirements and how your pc performs.

Memory is RAM (Random Access Memory), not disk space. Most of the info needed can be found in 1 place. Go to the Control Panel and open System. On the General tab you can see what kind of CPU and how much RAM your system has. On the Hardware tab open the Device Manager to get a list of all the hardware. Unfold any item, right-click on a device to get to the properties.